Your first omakase: a practical guide
Omakase (お任せ) means "I leave it to you". At a sushi counter it is a set sequence of pieces chosen by the chef for that day's fish, served one at a time and eaten as soon as each is placed in front of you.
Booking
- Counters are small, often 6 to 12 seats, and the best ones book out weeks ahead. Many open bookings on a fixed day each month.
- Expect a card guarantee or deposit and a strict cancellation policy. Read it before you confirm.
- Mention allergies and dietary needs when you book, not at the counter. The chef plans the fish in advance.
- Many counters run two fixed seatings. Arrive on time: a late guest holds up the whole counter.
What it costs
Prices vary widely by city. Lunch is usually cheaper than dinner, and newer or value counters cost a fraction of famous names. Each listing in this directory shows a price band relative to its country, from ●○○○ to ●●●●. Drinks, service charge and tax may be extra.
The usual order
Most Edomae counters move from light to rich: white fish, then silver-skinned fish, then tuna from lean to fatty, shellfish, uni and roe, anago, and finally tamago and a small roll. See the full sequence and look up any piece in the sushi guide.
At the counter
- Eat each piece straight away. The rice is served at body temperature and the fish at its best for seconds.
- Hands or chopsticks are both fine for nigiri. Try to eat it in one bite.
- Skip the soy sauce when the chef has already brushed the piece with nikiri. If you do dip, touch the fish, not the rice.
- Ginger (gari) is a palate cleanser between pieces, not a topping.
- Ask before taking photos, and keep them quick.
- If something does not suit you, tell the chef quietly. Most will adjust the next piece.
Halal and dietary requests
Raw fish and shellfish are generally fine for many Muslim diners, but nikiri, sushi rice and some sauces can contain mirin or sake. Ask when you book whether the chef can serve without them. Read our halal sushi guide for the details.
Where to try it
Browse omakase counters in Tokyo, New York, Singapore, Jakarta and every other city, or filter by "Omakase" in the interactive directory.